Newfield fire department squabble heats up

Mar. 18, 2013

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NEWFIELD — The borough is moving to immediately end an increasingly antagonistic relationship with the volunteer fire company that formed here in 1908, officials said Monday.

The Borough Council plans to meet in special session at 8 p.m. Thursday to consider introducing an ordinance that would establish the Newfield Fire Department to take over duties that Newfield Fire Company No. 1 Inc. now carries out.

Newfield Fire Company, a private entity, and the borough historically have had “a gentlemen’s agreement” rather than a contract covering mutual responsibilities. The borough owns the unit’s vehicles, provides other equipment and allocates cash annually for operating expenses.

“The council really doesn’t want to do this, frankly, but just feels there is no choice,” borough Solicitor John Eastlack said. He accused Fire Chief William Mason of “stonewalling” all requests for information from the borough since becoming chief more than three years ago. He also alleged Mason has engaged in inappropriate conduct and improperly used vehicles.

Eastlack said there will be no fire protection interruption, even though officials estimate a month will be needed for the new department can start operating. Fire companies in Malaga and Forest Grove usually provide support for blazes here and already were informed of the situation, he said.

Mason said firefighters will be at Thursday’s meeting. He attributes the borough’s plan to a feud over who runs the company and says Councilman Everett Marshall, a former fire chief, at the heart of the dispute.

“The mayor and council, especially (President) Mike Carrow and Everett Marshall, have total disregard for public safety,” Mason said. Marshall served briefly as chief and is upset after Mason was elected to take over, he said.

Eastlack said the relationship with Newfield Fire Company would cease Thursday night, even though the ordinance needs a second vote to become final under state law. “The borough always has the ability to designate its first responders,” he explained.

At the meeting, the council also is expected to appoint a five-member advisory board “to recommend applicants for positions of authority within the Fire Department.”

Reached at his business, Marshall said he has not been part of meetings on the proposed ordinance due to a conflict of interest related to his membership in the fire company.

Gloucester County will be notified of the transition, the borough said.

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